Issue - decisions

1.  That the progress report on work being undertaken across the Cobtree Estate, attached as Appendix A to the report of the Cobtree Officer, be noted.

2.  That the lower insurance sum of £12,500 offered by the Council’s insurers in lieu of replacement of the sheds destroyed by the fire at the Kent Life site be accepted.

3.  That the Cobtree Officer be authorised to investigate options for improving the sewerage system at the Kent Life visitor attraction, and, in consultation with the Chairman of the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee, to assess those options and select the most appropriate solution.

4.  That the most appropriate solution having been selected, the £12,500 insurance proceeds in lieu of the replacement of the sheds plus a further sum, up to a maximum of £30,000, drawn from the operating surplus generated by the Kent Life visitor attraction be used towards the improvement of the sewerage system serving Kent Life.

5.  That details of Continuum’s projected outturn for 2014 in respect of the Kent Life visitor attraction be reported to the next meeting of the Committee.

6.  That agreement be given to the 2015 events programme for Cobtree Manor Park being made up of events that can be delivered by the Park Ranger or with volunteers to enable a programme to go ahead at minimal cost to the Charity.

7  That the Cobtree Officer be authorised to:

  (a)  seek at least two quotes for the appointment of a specialist consultant to investigate and advise on the range of options relating to the future re-tendering of the Kent Life management contract on a long term basis, to produce the tender document, and to manage the tender process; and

  (b)  in consultation with the Chairman of the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee, to then select and proceed with the appointment of a consultant up to a maximum consultancy fee of £10,000.

8.  That the Head of Legal Partnership be authorised to enter into a professional services contract with the chosen consultant.